Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Cold weather kills at least 30 people in Bolivia

The cold winter weather which has affected much of South America is making its presence felt in Bolivia, after the heaviest snowfall in 20 years brought parts of the country to a standstill.

Cold southerly winds, known as ‘surazos’ by local people, have brought the largest falls to the southwest Potosi region. The snow has blocked roads cutting off many rural communities....At least 30 people are known to have died of hypothermia in the capital, La Paz and El Alto.